Manchester United's influential veterans Harry Maguire and Casemiro have received significant backing from within the squad to extend their stays at Old Trafford for another season. Both players are approaching the end of their current contracts this summer, but have played pivotal roles in the team's resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick.
Yoro's Vocal Support for Experienced Duo
Young centre-back Leny Yoro, who has formed a strong defensive partnership with Maguire, has publicly expressed his desire for both players to remain with the Red Devils. "Yeah, of course, having Harry in the team is good for us," the 20-year-old French defender stated. "If he can stay next season, it's really good for us, so I hope he's going to extend his contract and he can stay with us."
Casemiro's Crucial Influence
Regarding Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, Yoro was equally enthusiastic about his importance to the squad. "Everyone wanted him to stay," Yoro emphasized. "He's a really important player for us, he showed it again today. Even in the dressing room, every day, he has the experience that no one else has in the team. He won everything, so this helped us a lot in the games and even outside the pitch."
This sentiment was echoed by United supporters during Sunday's crucial 3-1 victory over Aston Villa, where fans chanted for Casemiro to stay for "one more year" after the midfielder opened the scoring.
Contract Situations and Recent Form
Both Maguire, 33, and Casemiro, 34, have started every one of United's nine matches since Carrick took charge in January, with the team winning seven of those encounters. This impressive run has positioned United well for Champions League qualification, currently sitting third in the Premier League table.
However, their contract situations remain unresolved. Casemiro had previously confirmed his intention to leave in January, just days after Carrick's first game in charge, making his potential extension appear less likely than Maguire's. The English defender, who is hoping for an England recall this week, has re-established himself as a key player after experiencing both highs and lows since his £80 million move from Leicester in 2019.
Mentorship and On-Field Partnership
Yoro highlighted the invaluable guidance he has received from Maguire during their defensive partnership. "With all the experiences he has, he gave a lot of tips, he spoke to me a lot on the pitch, so this helped me a lot," Yoro explained. "He always speaks with me, like with the striker, sometimes he speaks before the game, or at half-time, about positioning as well, so playing with him is really good for me."
The young defender also reflected on his own journey, acknowledging that "every player has this phase in a season" when referring to his shaky spell at the end of 2025, from which he has since rebounded strongly.
Champions League Ambitions
Looking ahead, Yoro emphasized the importance of Champions League football for a club of United's stature. "I think every player wants to play Champions League, especially when you play for United," he stated. "This club has to play the Champions League, so hopefully we're going to get it next season."
With significant decisions to be made behind the scenes in the coming weeks and months, the voices from within the dressing room are making a compelling case for retaining the experience and leadership that both Maguire and Casemiro provide as Manchester United aim to build on their recent improvement.
